This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.

Derby boss Steve McClaren admits the club will not be able to retain the services of highly-rated teenage midfielder Will Hughes, amid speculation linking him with Liverpool.

The 18-year-old has attracted interest from the Reds, while Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Spanish giants Barcelona have also scouted the Rams academy graduate.

Despite being linked with a move away from Derby during the summer, the club received no bids but McClaren has accepted it will be difficult to keep the player in the long term.

'Our job is to make sure he makes it, and eventually he will be too good (for Derby),' said McClaren following his first game in charge against Leeds on Saturday, which saw Hughes on the scoresheet in a 3-1 win for the Rams.